[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 44 (Monday, March 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E374]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MS. GRACE O'DONNELL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 25, 2013

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Women's History month 
I rise today to honor Ms. Grace O'Donnell, an outstanding individual 
and someone who has continuously supported the Miami community.
   Ms. O'Donnell is currently serving as the Chair of the Miami-Dade 
County Commission for Women. In this position she is dedicated to 
advocating and working for, the issues and concerns that affect the 
diverse community of women in the county. She also sits on the Miami-
Dade County Community Relations Board, where she works to identify and 
relieve intergroup conflicts. A retired 36-year veteran of the Miami-
Dade Police Department, Ms. O'Donnell left the force having served as 
its Major where she commanded the Special Victims Bureau.
   Ms. O'Donnell has spent much of her time volunteering in the 
community. She has been an adult volunteer member of the Girl Scout 
Council of Tropical Florida for 25 years, where she has been a troop 
leader for more than 15 years. In her position she often mentors girls 
of all age levels, is involved in community service projects, and 
serves as an event coordinator for her service unit. Outside of the 
Girl Scouts, Ms. O'Donnell is also a volunteer for Hands on Miami, the 
American Red Cross, and the Community Partnership for the Homeless.
   Throughout the years, Ms. O'Donnell has been consistently recognized 
for her achievements. In 2005 she was named a Pioneer at the In the 
Company of Women reception for Women's History Month. She was also 
awarded the ``Thanks Badge'' by the Girl Scout Council of Tropical 
Florida in 2006, and received recognition for her community service by 
the National Volunteer Week Committee of Dade County in 2007.
   Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Ms. Grace O'Donnell for 
her continued service to the Miami community and I ask my colleagues to 
join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

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